My neighbour has two bee hives, only one of them currently in use. I am fascinated by them, especially as I came home today to find that he had added a home made extention to it!

I have joined this forum to learn a little more about what is going on over the fence (talk about nosey!). I would dabble into the world of bee keeping myself, but it looks like an expensive past time so I am happy to watch from the side lines right now!

RUN NOW, otherwise it's just...all that money and all that time spent for the bees, oh dear oh dear, and you know what the most painful/funny part is? you don't regret it a bit :-Dah, for really small scale it shouldn't be all that expensive, the problem usually occurs when one catches another swarm, and another one, oh and you off course have to do a split..., LOL

Beware- I was a nosey neighbor and ended up working full-time for the guy. We ended up having about 100 hives spread out over central and northern MA. It is fun and truly fascinating. Often once you get involved and meet a group of bee-folk they will help you set up. I ended up with all kinds of free equipment (handy me downs). I ended up donating to another new bee-keeper when I had to move away. I say never stand back and be nosey. Get in their and get your hands dirty, you won't regret it.

Beekeeping is one of the cheapest hobbies around :-D well cheaper than flying lessons anyway. But I would be willing to bet that it would cost you twice what it costs us here. Landrovers seem to be the only thing that that does not hold true for.